Symptoms can persist for several weeks. In mild cases, the primary infection may go unnoticed, while severe cases are accompanied by severe symptoms.
After direct contact with the infection:
- the virus begins to multiply in skin cells;
- the affected area of the skin turns red, becomes sensitive,
- burning sensation, itching and tingling;
- then one or more small bubbles appear, which are soon opened with the release of a fluid containing viral particles;
- in the place of the opened vesicles ulcers are formed; they usually heal without scarring.
Against the background of skin changes the patient is often concerned about influenza-like symptoms. The resulting sores can be painful, especially if they are located in the urethra. There are two types of herpes simplex virus: type 1 (VPP) and type 2 (HSV2). The runway more often affects the skin of the upper half of the body, the VPG2 - the lower one. Rashes around the mouth are usually called herpes simplex, and herpetic lesions of the genital organs are genital herpes.
Reactivation
After the end of the acute period, the virus migrates along the sensitive nerves, innervating the affected area of the skin, reaching the ganglia of the spinal nerves. There he persists in an inactive state. When the immune system is weakened by factors such as stress and infection, there are recurrences of herpes. Often the virus is activated against the background of acute respiratory viral diseases. When reactivated, it moves back along the sensitive nerves to the skin.
Transmission paths
The virus is transmitted by direct contact with the affected skin, for example with a kiss, when one of the partners has a herpetic eruption on the lips. This is the most common way to spread. In most cases, the patient's complaints and examination of the affected area of the skin are enough to make a diagnosis. However, it must be borne in mind that sometimes there is an atypical course of herpetic infection.
Laboratory diagnostics
To identify the type of virus, a sample of a watery liquid is taken from the vesicles followed by electron microscopy to detect viral particles. If both partners are infected with genital herpes, there is no need for precautions for sexual intercourse, since they both have the same disease.
Morbidity
Typical localization of herpetic eruptions are genital organs and the area around the mouth. Herpes rarely runs hard, but can cause significant discomfort, especially if the genitals are affected. Virus Varicella - Zoster is also a group of herpes viruses. It is the causative agent of herpes zoster and chicken pox. Genital herpes in most cases causes considerable discomfort, which is exacerbated by suspicions of partner's unfaithfulness, as well as inconveniences during intercourse. Patients with the first symptoms of herpetic infection should consult a specialist on sexually transmitted diseases. The faster healing of herpetic vesicles is promoted by warm baths with magnesium sulfate, as well as wearing loose clothing.
Medication Therapy
A complete cure for herpes infection is not possible, however, when the first symptoms of the disease appear, it is necessary to begin medical therapy as soon as possible. In this case, it will be most effective.
Relapses
At the first clinical episode of the disease, antibodies are produced in the body, which to some extent help to fight the infection in subsequent relapses. However, they can not completely prevent their development. In this regard, with the repeated manifestation of the disease, there is a tendency to reduce the number of rashes, as well as faster healing with less physical discomfort for the patient. HSV2 is more aggressive and more likely to cause recurrence than HSV1. The severity of the course of genital herpes can vary considerably. Some patients suffer from frequent exacerbations, others rarely occur. On average, genital herpes recur about four times a year. In this case, the rash is usually localized near the primary focus. The frequency of relapses tends to decrease with age.
Complications
With simple herpes, it is possible to develop a number of complications:
- Herpes eye - may be accompanied by the formation of a scar on the cornea;
- herpetic infection of newborns - the virus can be transmitted to the child from the mother while passing through the birth canal.
If the date of birth coincides with another herpes exacerbation, delivery is performed by cesarean section. Genital herpes in women about five times increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. However, a direct link between these diseases has not been fully proven. Such patients should regularly undergo screening for cervical cancer.
Prevention
Infected persons need to identify and eliminate factors that contribute to their exacerbation of the disease. When relapses, it is important to observe the following simple measures:
- avoid combing the rashes, since the virus can spread to other parts of the body, for example, the eyes;
- wash hands often;
- avoid unprotected sex: condom use to some extent prevents transmission of infection.
During the remission period, patients should monitor the general condition of the body. Anti-herpetic vaccines are being developed to prevent primary infection.